Term of the Moment
INDEX.HTML
Redirected from: Wi-Fi access point
Definition: Wi-Fi hotspot
The geographic boundary covered by a Wi-Fi (802.11) access point. Anyone entering the hotspot with a Wi-Fi-based laptop, smartphone or tablet can connect to the Internet, providing the access point is configured to advertise its presence (beaconing) and authorization is not necessary. If authorization is required, the user has to sign in or provide a password.
Create Your Own Hotspot
Wi-Fi hotspots can also be created by users from their smartphones, tablets or third-party devices (see cellular hotspot).
A Wi-Fi Network May Be Hidden
Access points default to constantly advertise their presence. Known as "beaconing," it is the list of available hotspots when looking for a Wi-Fi connection. However, an access point can be made invisible (beaconing turned off), in which case the name of the network must be known along with the password. See SSID and beaconing.
Public Hotspots
There are hundreds of thousands of public hotspots in the U.S. and many more provided by residential customers. Most people are unaware that the wireless router they installed from their Internet provider is automatically generating one or two hotspots for public use; for example, see Xfinity hotspot. Contrast with notspot. See Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Passpoint, hotspot finder, access point, war driving and Muni Wi-Fi.
Hotspots Are Everywhere
Create Your Own Hotspot
Wi-Fi hotspots can also be created by users from their smartphones, tablets or third-party devices (see cellular hotspot).
A Wi-Fi Network May Be Hidden
Access points default to constantly advertise their presence. Known as "beaconing," it is the list of available hotspots when looking for a Wi-Fi connection. However, an access point can be made invisible (beaconing turned off), in which case the name of the network must be known along with the password. See SSID and beaconing.
Public Hotspots
There are hundreds of thousands of public hotspots in the U.S. and many more provided by residential customers. Most people are unaware that the wireless router they installed from their Internet provider is automatically generating one or two hotspots for public use; for example, see Xfinity hotspot. Contrast with notspot. See Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Passpoint, hotspot finder, access point, war driving and Muni Wi-Fi.
Local supermarkets offer Wi-Fi to encourage customers to linger in their cafes.